India is a land of festivals, where people from different religions coexist harmoniously. The wide variety of festivals celebrated in India is a true manifestation of its rich culture and traditions. There are many Indian festivals and celebrations, the most exciting of which are mentioned below. While the celebrations happen all over the year, October till January is the time when the country can be seen at its vibrant best.

To give you a fair idea about all the festivals of India in 2019 and their dates, before you begin, here is a piece of information that would prove essential for you!

List of Indian Festivals: The widely celebrated religious festivals in the country

Here is a quick list of the most famous festivals of India. Check out these types of festival before you visit the best places of Indian cultural heritage to attend the grand celebrations of these festivals.

1. Diwali: The Grand Festival Of Lights

Diwali, one of the most prominent Hindu festivals of India, is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show. During this festival of lights, houses are decorated with clay lamps, candles, and Ashok leaves. People wear new clothes, participate in family puja, burst crackers, and share sweets with friends, families, and neighbors.

Significance: The festival marks the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, after a long exile of 14 years.

2. Holi: The Vibrant Festival Of Colours

Also known as the festival of colors, holi is one of the famous festivals of India, celebrated with a lot of fervor across the country. On the eve of Holi, people make huge Holika bonfires and sing and dance around it. On the day of Holi, people gather in open areas and apply dry and wet colors of multiple hues to each other, with some carrying water guns and colored water filled balloons.

Significance: It signifies the victory of good (Prince Prahlad) over evil (Holika) and the arrival of spring.

Key attractions: Holika bonfire, playing with colors, and bhang thandai

When: Full moon (Purnima) of the Phalgun month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to the month of March of the Gregorian calendar

Where: Almost all over the country; most vibrant celebrations can be seen in North Indian states

3. Dussehra: Witness The Triumph Of Good Over Evil

Dussehra, also referred to as Vijayadashami, is also among the most famous festivals of India. It is celebrated in different forms countrywide. Ramlila (enactment of scenes from Ramayana) is held everywhere for 10 days. It’s culminated with “Ravan Dahan” – the burning of huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran which is a real spectacle to see.

Significance: It celebrates the death of the demon king Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama.

Key attractions: Hustle bustle of the decorated markets, Ram-Leela acts, and the big event of the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran

When: 10th day of the month of Ashwin according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to September or October of the Gregorian calendar

4. Navratri: The Nine Days Of Fasting, Faith, And Devotion

Navratri festival is celebrated by all people throughout India in different ways. In Gujarat, it is a nine-day celebration of rejuvenating Garba nights and highly energetic Dandiya Raas dances. People are dressed in beautiful, colorful traditional clothes and the environment is very youthful and invigorating.

Significance: It represents the celebration of the Goddess Amba (Power) in nine different forms.

5. Durga Puja: Of Prosperity, Goodness, And Devotion

One of the important Hindu festivals of India, Durga Puja is celebrated with grandeur by Bengalis, throughout the country. The 10 days of fast, feast, and worship of Goddess Durga are accompanied by cultural songs, dances, and dramas. Huge and beautiful Durga idols are made and placed in specially made artistic Pandals(canopies). People dress in traditional wear and go around the pandal – hopping, praying, and feasting.

Significance: It commemorates Lord Rama’s invocation of Goddess Durga before going to war with the demon king Ravana.

6. Krishna Janmashtami: The Birth Of The Mighty & Mischievous

Janmashtami is again a beautiful one among the most important religious festivals of India. Janmashtami celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan are very popular. People fast throughout the day and break it with a special meal after dusk. Visiting temples, praying, dancing, and singing bhajans (hymns) at midnight is a part of the celebrations of the birth of Lord Krishna. Often, small children dress up like Lord Krishna on this day. Images and picturization of Krishna’s life story are depicted in the “jhankis” in temples.

Significance: It is the annual celebration of the birthday of Lord Krishna.

Key attractions: The Janmashtami puja and festivities in the temples and the jhaankis of Lord Krishna

When: The 8th day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to August or September of the Gregorian calendar

Where: Celebrated by the Hindu community all over, but the festivities at Mathura and Vrindavan are very popular

7. Ganesh Chaturthi: Eleven Days Of Pampering Lord Ganesha!

Ganesh Chaturthi, another one of important Hindu religious festivals of India, is a 10-day affair of colorful festivities. Huge handcrafted Ganesh idols are installed in homes or outdoors, in public pandals. Pujas are performed in the morning and the evening. The last day is the day of Visarjan – immersion of an idol in a water body. Cultural activities of singing, dancing, and theater, and free medical and blood donation camps are held.

Significance: It’s the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God.

Key attractions: The beautifully crafted life size idols of Ganesha, and the immersion ceremony

When: The 4th day of the first fortnight (Shukla Chaturthi) in the month of Bhadrapada of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to August or September of the Gregorian calendar

Where: Celebrated in the states of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh with fervor and gaiety

8. Gurupurab: Religious Processions & Peaceful Hymns

On the most important Sikh festival of India, special assemblies on the lives and teachings of the gurus, and langars (community meals) are organized in the gurudwaras. Karah Prasad is distributed among all, and hymn chanting processions are held in the city. People light up their homes with lamps and candles and burst crackers to celebrate Gurpurab.

Significance: It is the celebration of the anniversaries of the ten Sikh Gurus.

Key attractions: The soulful Bhajan-Kirtan (hymns), Gurbani in the Gurdwaras, the Langar and the Karah Prasad

When: The full moon day in the month of Kartik of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which correspondsto November of the Gregorian calendar

Where: Celebrated by the Sikh community all over the world, especially in Punjab

9. Raksha Bandhan: Strengthening The Bond Of Kinship

One of the famous festivals of India, Rakhi is celebrated among Hindu. Signifying the brother-sister bonding, during Rakhi, the sister performs Aarti (prayer), applies tilak, and ties rakhi (a sacred thread) on the brother’s wrist wishing his well being. The brother, in return, vows to protect the sister. Another festival which has a strong similarity to Rakhi is Bhai Dooj which comes just after Diwali.

Significance: It symbolizes the strong bonding of a brother and sister.

Key attractions: The ritual of Rakhi and the brightly decked up markets showcasing a colourful variety of rakhis and sweets

When: The full moon day of Shravana month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to August of the Gregorian calendar

10. Eid-Ul-Fitr: Sumptuous Buffets & Sweet Festivities

Eid is one of the major festivals of India for the Muslim community. People dress up in fineries, attend a special community prayer in the morning, visit friends, and relatives and exchange sweets. Children are given idi(money or gift) by elders.

Significance: It celebrates the conclusion of the holy month of fasting called Ramadan.

Key attractions: The beautifully decked up markets and mosques, the morning Eid namaz at the mosques, and the sweet dishes.

When: On the 1st day of the month of Shawwal of the lunar Hijri calendar, which corresponds to July of the Gregorian calendar

11. Bihu: Dance, Music, And Laughter

Popular among the festivals of India celebrated in the North East, Bihu is the harvest festival of Assam. During the month-long celebrations, young men and women wear their traditional clothes and perform the Bihu dance in the village fields and courtyards. During Bihu celebrations in India, a community feast is held with a lot of fanfare.

12. Hemis: Soothing Chants And Colourful Costumes

Hemis, the two-day religious festival from Ladakh, is one of the most important festivals of India. It attracts a lot of locals and foreign tourists each year. The festivities include the Cham dance done by the priests to the tune of the traditional music of cymbals, drums, trumpets played by the monks. It’s among the most unique types of festival where the dancing priests dress up in elaborate brocade outfits and masks.

13. Onam: Welcoming The Mighty Mahabali

Onam is among the important festivals of India, wherein people wear traditional wear, adorn houses with Pookalam (floral designs), and prepare Onasadya (elaborate meal of about 13 dishes). Events such as Vallamkali (snake boat race), Kaikottikali (clap dance), Kathakali dance, and Pulikali procession (artists dressed and painted like tigers and hunters) are held.

Significance: It celebrates the homecoming of the legendary king Mahabali.

14. Pongal: Rich Rangolis And Sweet Savories

The four-day long harvest festival of South India is one of the most famous festivals of India. People prepare Pongal dish and wear their traditional attire. Celebrities include bonfires, dance, cattle races, sweets, and savories. The houses look resplendent with Kolam designs (traditional floral designs made with rice, colored powders, and flower petals)

Significance: It’s a festival of thanksgiving to nature representing the first harvest of the year.

15. Christmas: Celebrating The Birth Of Jesus Christ

One of the most famous and awaited festival in the world, Christmas happens to be of sheer significance for elders and children alike. Everyone regardless of their religion wait for this day, children specifically for the surprise gifts from Santa. All the churches are lit up and decorated to celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus.

16. Easter: Celebrating The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ

Just like other festivals, Easter is also celebrated with much fervour and great religious solemnization in different parts of the country. Celebrated during Spring, Easter celebrations in India are distinguished by various colourful decorations, dance and plays, simmel and plum cakes, and bright lanterns adorning the streets.

17. Baisakhi: The Rich Traditions And Cultural Prosperity

Baisakhi is primarily a festival celebrated by the Sikh community of Punjab and those around the world. It celebrates the welcoming of the harvest season for the rabi crops. The Sikhs celebrate this festival with a lot of excitement and enthusiasm by performing local folk dances such as Giddha and Bhangra. The festival is of great religious significance in India as it marks the day when the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, laid out the foundation stone for the Panth Khalsa-the Order back in 1699.

18. Makar Sankranti: Hindu’s New Year

Image SourceMakar Sankranti is the real new year of North Indians and Sikhs which is celebrated just one day after Lohri. On this day, worship to God is performed to seek his blessings for the new year. It is in a way end of winter and beginning of spring which means agricultural cycle for farmers. The dates are set according to solar cycles, unlike other Hindu festivals where dates are decided by lunar cycles. People celebrate this day by flying kites and having savory ‘Bajre ki khichdi’ and sweet ’til ladoo’. Gujaratis celebrate this festival by the name of Uttarayan.

Significance: Beginning of agricultural cycle

Key attractions: Kite flying

When: 14th January(Monday)

Where: The festival is celebrated across north Indian and Sikh communities in India. The best place to celebrate Makar Sankranti in India is North region.

19. Maha Shivratri: Devotion To Lord Shiva

Image SourceDedicated to Lord Shiva, this Indian festival holds great reverence among the devotees of Lord Shiva. It has a huge significance in Hindu mythology celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun. It is believed that whoever worships Lord Shiva on this day attains salvation and redemption from their sins. It is also imprtant festival for unmarried and married women to attain marital bliss.

Frequently Asked Questions About Famous Festivals In India

Which are the famous festivals of North India?

A: Lohri and Baisakhi in Punjab, Hemis Festival in Kashmir, and Bihu Festival in North East India are among the famous festivals of north India. They celebrate the harvest season with dance, music, and lip-smacking food.

Other famous festivals of North India, like Teej, Janmashtami, and Kumbha Mela are religious festivals and nation wide celebrations loaded with traditions and customs of Hindus.

Which are the famous festivals of South India?

A: Onam and Pongal are the main harvest festivals in South India celebrated in August-September and January respectively. Offering prayers to Hindu deities and family feasts are the highlights of these festivals. Besides, Nehru Trophy Race in Kerala is a popular festival that sees large audience flocking to see the competition. Another one of famous festivals of South India is the Hampi Festival. These celebrations in India are held in Karnataka and exhibits the essence of culture and history through music, dance, drama, and art.

Which are the different festivals related to farming celebrated in India?

A: Onam, Makar Sankranti, Baisakhi, Lohri, Wangala, Nuakhai, and Ugadi are some famous harvest festivals in India. The celebrations include a community gala featuring prayers to God, family gatherings, new clothes, music, dance, and feasts.

Which festival is celebrated in spring season?

A: Holi is the major festival celebrated in Spring Season in India. The festival is also given names like Festival of Colors and Festival of Love. It is celebrated with organic colors and water while a number of delicacies such as gujiya and dahi bhalle are prepared in different states of the country.

The myriad of important festivals of India boasts of the nation’s rich and varied culture and the religious sentiments of the people. Hope this list of festivals in India sparked an urge to travel to different places and be a part of celebrations. If you want to know a little more about the Indian festive spirit, these commonly-asked questions will be helpful.

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